The budget was inspired by three 'kartavyas' or responsibilities to accelerate and sustain economic growth; fulfil aspirations; ensure every family, community and region has access to resources and opportunities for participation.
AsSitharaman tabled the Union Budget 2026-27 in the parliament today, the occasion has once again sparked a wave of meme storm on social media, where users shared their expectations, fears and satire. Netizens drew humorous comparisons to popular films, using iconic dialogues from shows and movies to describe the tax situation.
A significant portion of the humour targeted the ‘stagnant’ status of the middle-class taxpayer.
Take a look at the best ones here.
A user shared a post with a caption, “Nirmala Sitharaman to middle-class people," that read, "Meri taraf mat dekhiye, main apki koi sahayata nahi kar paungi."
Budget Memes - A thread ????
Nirmala Sitharaman to Middle Class people pic.twitter.com/XOl1QDWCOO
— Phunsuk Wangdu (@Phunsukwangduji) February 1, 2025
Another posted, "Me watching Budget with 470 rupees in my account."
Me watching Budget with 470 rupees in my account #BudgetSession2026 pic.twitter.com/qgg6UrWk5p
— Ayushi (@Ayushihihaha) February 1, 2026
Budget Day 2026 ???? Nirmala
Sitharaman opens the briefcase. Middle class opens calculator. Memes open immediately.#Budget2026 #NirmalaSitharaman #BudgetDay #IndianTaxPayer
— VisibleInk (@Chotia635744) February 1, 2026
An individual posted a scene from Panchayat where he talked about salaried people, writing, "Apke fund se thoda paisa mil jaata to badhiya ho jaata."
Government to salaried people during every budget#Budget2024 pic.twitter.com/OtTMYUCUAm
— Finance Memes (@Qid_Memez) July 23, 2024
Middle Class get ready for this #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/5zT2AyLRwI
— Being_Sanskaari Memes (@SanskaariMemes) February 1, 2026
“The whole February month mood depends on only one woman. #NirmalaSitharaman #Budget2026,” wrote another.
The whole February month mood depends on only one woman.#NirmalaSitharaman #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/ibmKtyp7ga
— Shrinath B (@shribirajdar) February 1, 2026
"Middle class, be prepared! I am coming," a user posted.
Middle Class, be prepared!
I am coming#Budget2026 ???? pic.twitter.com/re3kQUOJgr
— NimoTaiSatire (@NimoTaiSatire) January 31, 2026
“The Budget morning #Budget2026,” another person wrote.
बजट वाली सुबह #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/efyvQnoTgT
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) January 31, 2026
???????? #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/hqIvmk4cdx
— खुरपेंच (@khurpenchh) February 1, 2026
"Budget 2026 ki asli jaanch: Wallet ka weight, patience ka test, aur memes ka festival," a user said.
Budget 2026 ki asli jaanch: Wallet ka weight, patience ka test, aur memes ka festival. #Budget2026 #NirmalaSitharaman pic.twitter.com/AEDHXRY7Cm
— OwnerofTrading (@OwnerofTrading) February 1, 2026
“What every investor and trader wishes,” another commented.
What every investor and trader wishes : pic.twitter.com/2k1IeKZP9R
— SATISH : ???? : TRADER (@satishtheta) January 31, 2026
"Government to tax paying middle class during every budget #Budget2025," a user posted.
Government to tax paying middle class during every budget #Budget2025 pic.twitter.com/lkbFrf4wiD
— Finance Memes (@Qid_Memez) February 1, 2025
Middle class budget memes today #Budget2026 pic.twitter.com/Z8yzZL1ZYv
— djay (@djaywalebabu) February 1, 2026
